Willing Ways Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre Embarks on Major Street Drug Abuse Advocacy in Koforidua

The Willing Ways Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre successfully carried out a major street advocacy campaign aimed at combating drug abuse and promoting mental health awareness within the Koforidua municipality.

The Street Advocacy Program, which took place on February 14, 2026, directly engaged young people and vulnerable groups within inner-city communities through education, entertainment, and open dialogue.

The outreach procession began at Prisons Park, proceeded through KFC – Koforidua, and climaxed at Total 2 Filling Station, drawing attention from residents, traders, motorists, and passersby.

Purpose of the Advocacy

The initiative took the anti-drug abuse message directly to the streets, particularly targeting marginalized youth and “ghetto” communities. The event combined music, community interaction, and expert-led education to ensure the message resonated effectively with participants.
Educational sessions were delivered on the dangers of substance abuse, its psychological and social consequences, legal implications, and available rehabilitation and mental health support systems.

Resource Persons and Key Stakeholders

Several distinguished stakeholders and professionals participated as resource persons, including:
Madam Evelyn, Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Madam Phelomina, Regional Commander of the Narcotics Control Commission
Madam Jimimah, Representative from the Drug Law Enforcement Unit
Dr. Gyaawa, Regional Psychiatrist, Dr. Akosua, Regional Mental Health Director. These experts provided professional insights into drug prevention strategies, early detection of substance dependency, mental health interventions, and law enforcement perspectives on drug-related offenses.

Entertainment and Community Engagement

To ensure wide participation and youth engagement, the program featured live performances from celebrated Ghanaian artists, including Akosua Agyapong and Okomfour Kwadee, among others. The performances were integrated with advocacy messages, reinforcing awareness in an engaging and impactful manner.

Leadership Commitment

Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre, Mrs. Lydia Abena Manu Adofo, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to tackling drug abuse at the grassroots level.

She noted that drug abuse remains a growing concern among the youth and stressed the need for collaborative efforts between health professionals, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the creative arts industry to address the issue effectively.

Mrs. Adofo encouraged residents of Koforidua and surrounding communities to sustain the momentum generated by the campaign, describing the initiative not merely as a one-day awareness exercise but as a movement toward building a healthier and drug-free society.

The advocacy program recorded significant public participation and further strengthened community partnerships in the fight against substance abuse.

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/0546062832